Learning to Fly Justyn Sweany Wolf Justyn Sweany Wolf learned very well how to work with texture, colors, composition, and lighting from her fine art artist parents. She very creatively utilizes these components to produce a portfolio of inspirational images in her East Gallery exhibit at Image City. While several of her photographic prints could be awarded an Image City “Gallery Pick”, we have selected her image “Learning to Fly” to receive this honor. In this image Justyn coordinates the traditional components of a landscape by integrating white swans in peaceful harmony within each of the three parts of the print. In the foreground, parent white swans are swimming with their young offspring. The grasses and flowers anchor the bottom right of the foreground. A very large white wing at the top of the image frames the print thus completing the foreground and promoting the feeling of depth in the photograph. The middle ground shows the action caused by a dynamic surf as it crashes down on dark rocks. Within that pounding surf is a small peaceful pool with two parent swans and one small baby swimming together. This produces a feeling of peacefulness within the turbulence of the surf. Note the one swan flapping its wings rapidly in order to fly just above the crashing waves. The background is composed of powerful golden clouds. Against the back drop of these angry clouds are two flying swans. One swan seems to be struggling to break away from the clouds and another appears to have broken free and has entered the foreground while appearing to be leaving the through the top of the scene. The exact interpretation of Justyn’s magnificent print must be left to each individual viewer. However, we are emotionally moved by the family life and upbringing that the adult swans seem to be providing for their young. The difficulties of life are well symbolized by the turbulence of the surf and the dramatic clouds. The swans that are breaking free above the surf and away from the ominous clouds are analogous to the need to overcome the tough times that life brings. The overall beauty and content of this inspirational photograph communicates an upbeat positive feeling about how parents can help prepare their young for dealing with the challenges of life. |